Archive for the ‘Tutorials’ Category

Don’t feel like sewing something inside out and backwards today? Skip the sewing and make this chic no-sew scarf that lets you use your own handwriting and personalized embroidery to beautiful effect. Yup, that’s not a fabric pattern, that cool effect is made with just a simple gel bleach pen!

It’s the the perfect thing to take you from winter into spring, and this project is also great for crafty beginners with no sewing required. Customize your scarf with a favorite poem, love letter, or mantra, and stitch a matching embroidery design to suit your theme. Easy and quick gift!

Delicate yet dramatic. Bold and pretty. Bring your apparel to life with this fresh new collection that’s both dark and dainty all at the same time. Inspired by lace motifs but with a twist of thistles and thorns in place of traditional floral motifs, they’re light-stitching enough to work well on a variety of fabrics, and created in versatile shapes to work as neckline accents, shoulder splashes, hem and waistline embellishments, and lots more. Best of all, these designs are of course on SALE for a limited time!

This embroidery collection was specifically designed with shapes and stitches that complement the shape of clothes. Stitch them directly onto fabric, or if you really want to bring out the delicate “lace” look, float them on a sheer fabric like organza and use it to upcycle old clothes like in this tutorial.

Most of these pieces were made for easy mirroring and interlocking repeating to use them on a grander scale, even with a smaller hoop.

Delicate shapes in dark motifs sit lightly on fabrics but bring beautiful dimension. They even make fantastic lace sleeve accents!

Get even more use out of your hoop with these two amazing interlocking designs. Great to use on their own, they fit beautifully together, and with a little repetition and mirroring, you have a giant statement piece you can stitch with just a few hoopings!

Grab these designs ON SALE now through Sunday, Feb. 24 at 11:59 p.m, and start scheming about all the different ways you can use them to add a dark and delicate lacy motifs to all those plain boring clothes hiding in the back of your closet!

Valentines Day is fast approaching (less than a week now!) and now is the moment all us crafty folk go into a bit of a panic trying to think of something sweet and quick to whip up for that special someone, or to make our night out a little more magical. Fear not, we have some quick tutorials you can create in an afternoon that are sure to do the trick!

Short on supplies? All you need to make this cute pillow is to dig into your fabric stash and pull out all your favorite scraps. Patch it all together and add some one color embroidery for a stunning lace effect. Get the tutorial here.

This week’s new tutorial is great if you’re looking for a crafty way to glam up your evening. Dress up a plain headband with this gorgeous piece of machined lace and a few crystals and you have an accessory to suit any look. Get the tutorial here.

Want more ways to cuddle up? Craft up this romantic Parisian postcard-inspired pillow! Layer up light stitching designs for a look that’s rustic and divine. See how here.

Want to know if your sweetheart digs you? Rock it grade school style with this retro “do you like me” card. Give it to your honey and let them stitch back their answer for a super sweet handmade memento you can keep! Learn to make it here.

Finally, for those not into Valentine’s Day this year, you can always go to the dark side and make this adorable yet slightly disgruntled vampire bunny plush. He’ll keep you company on Valentines Day! Get a free template and learn how to make your furry friend here.

Happy Valentines (or Un-valentines) Day! There’s no better time to make something by hand

Looking for something sweet to hold a gift on Valentines, or maybe just give on its own? Next to Nicx has a template and easy tutorial on how to make this great little gift. Fill it with chocolates and you have the perfect embroidered valentines surprise!

Looking for a cute way to warm up this winter? Well, when we posted this creative project by UT stitcher Tanja on facebook, everyone went nuts wanting a tutorial. Lucky for all of us, Tanja is awesome! She created an easy to follow tutorial on how to make and embroider your dragon, and even included a template for a fox version too!

It’s a whole new year, and it’s time for a whole new look! Before you hit the mall and pull out that credit card though, have a thought for all those clothes stuffed into the back of your closet. Just because you don’t wear them anymore doesn’t mean you can’t turn them into something you would. A few new seams and a dash of embroidery brings new life to all kinds of things.

I will say, if I’ve learned something while pulling all these tutorials together, it’s two things. One, I really like purple and brown.

Two, you can pretty much turn a sweater into anything. Like, anything. A skirt, a hat, mittens, legwarmers and boots. It’s like the hunters idea of using all parts of the animal. If you’re going to kill an old sweater, it’s only right you find a way to bring new life to all of it!

So read on, and click each image to check out the easy step by step tutorials on how to reinvent your old clothes. It’s a great way to kick off the new year!

Sweater into a skirt! With extra tips on where and how to stitch on stretchy knits.

Two long sleeve tees into one flattering drape cardigan, with some wings to help you take off in the new year.

An plain old tee gets a flattering update and some more wings. Did I mention I love wings?

Grab those old boots out of the closet and go all out with the faux fur and lace baby. No sewing required! This one is all about hot glue.

Take a too-large jacket and upcycle it with simple tailoring and some bold embroidery.

Two old tees get turned into this super cute ruffle purse!

Take a plain old long sleeve tee and transform it into a hooded wrap around shrug when all you need is an extra layer of sleeves.

Got a favorite pair of pants that have too many holes to hold up anymore? Cut em up and reinvent them as a cute skirt.

That same sweater that turned into a skirt can also be used to make these sexy steampunk leg warmers.

Got a tee with a great pattern but it’s just too darn big? Transform it into a flattering fitted halter top to get yourself thinking about warmer months ahead.

Want more than just wearing a sweater as a skirt, spats and more? How about wearing it on your noggin? Yup, this cute beanie started out life as a boring sweater.

A few snips and a seam and you even have yourself a pair of gloves! What did I tell you? Sweaters can be turned into anything.

Finally, our most popular upcycling tutorial to date: a sweater into boots! All you need is a cheap pair of flats (also probably hiding somewhere in your closer) and you can look stylish for a lot less.

It’s not just you that can get a fresh start in life. Your clothes are just begging for some reinvention as well! Raid that closet and see what kinds of new creations you can make without spending an extra dime.